Insurance/Medical Assistant - Gerontology

Phelps Health is a 2000-employee-strong hospital and healthcare system serving the heart of small-town Missouri.

No matter where you start with us, we’re committed to taking our team to the top. If you’re ready for the challenge of providing life-saving care or supporting those who do, read on to find your fit in the Phelps Health family.

General Summary

• The Insurance/Medical Assistant functions within their skill set in providing patient care as delegated by the clinic LPN/RN, physician or mid-level provider (APP). The Insurance/Medical Assistant provides ongoing coordination and communication between nursing homes and/or hospital, providers, staff, and the medical group management team.
• Must be well organized, detail oriented, display a high level of professionalism, excellent customer service skills, able to multitask efficiently, critical thinker and able to perform in a fast-paced work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares source data on a daily basis in the physician lounge then searches to see if the patient is established. If established updates demographics, insurance information and assuring the correct company, identification, group number, etc. This is for all in-patient admissions to Phelps Health and for all visits to the Gerontology Program for Phelps Health Medical Group.
• For new patients who are not existing in the electronic medical record the patient registers in the electronic medical record, selects the correct insurance companies for provider-based charges for in-patients of the Phelps Health Medical Group.
• Obtains and updates patient demographics and insurance information, assuring correct patient and insurance data is entered into the system accurately for all in-patient and gerontology charges for Phelps Health Medical Group.
• Phelps Health Medical Group – Gerontology patient and/or any patient who have a provider visit in a nursing home, residential care facility, etc. they are placed on the appropriate schedule for the appropriate provider on the appropriate date to create an encounter.
• Verifies entered customer and account data by reviewing, correcting, deleting, or reentering data; combining data from all systems when account information is incomplete; merges duplicate accounts. Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by following policy and procedure keeping all information confidential.
• Verifies insurance coverage by using appropriate websites and use electronic medical record to verify eligibility and/or appropriate website.
• Completes all scanning into the electronic medical record from the long-term care facilities as a backup to the clinical staff.
• Contacts nursing home and/or hospital for information necessary for billing patient claims. May have to present and travel to a nursing home to resolve and work together on any of the scheduling, registration, verification, and/or eligibility.
• Is the liaison between the providers and staff of Phelps Health Medical Group which includes the Business Office with the appropriate hospital departments and all long term care facilities where Phelps Health Medical Group providers see patients.
• Communicates with gerontology staff regarding patient appointments and/or patient accounts.
• Assists with renewal and authorization of medications and administers medications (oral, IM and SQ) as ordered.
• Routes phone messages, patient questions, and telephone communications to appropriate personnel.
• Schedules appointments, surgeries and diagnostic procedures as ordered by the physician and APP’s. Completes necessary paperwork, prior authorization, referrals and documentation in a timely manner.
• Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, works as a team and assists all team members, and meets attendance/punctuality requirements.

Education

• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant or Medical Specialist program required or equivalent amount of working experience as a Medical Assistant or Registered/Certified as a Medical Assistant.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Work Experience

• One-year Medical Assistant or other medical specialist experience preferred but not required.
• Medical Clinic or similar healthcare experience preferred.

Certification/License

• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) or a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through an approved accrediting organization, such as the American Medical Technologist (AMT) preferred.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification required.

Mental/Physical Requirements

• Considerable mental concentration required. Lifting up to 35 lbs., turning activities and nearly constant walking required. Standing, turning, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, crouching, twisting, and reaching.

Working Conditions

• Frequent exposure to infectious disease and hostile persons at times. Frequent exposure to communicable disease via blood and other body fluids. Minimal physical discomfort.

At Phelps Health, we think we have a better team, benefits, and opportunities for growth than anyone else around, and we invite you to see for yourself! Apply now to join us on our mission in health care.